Composite Rapid Development Technician

Santa Cruz, CA eVTOL Full-time Posted Oct 16, 2026
Apply on Joby Aviation (opens in a new tab) Sourced via careers-jobyaviation.icims.com · Posted 2026-10-16

About this role

Joby Aviation is hiring a Composite Rapid Development Technician, full-time, on-site in Santa Cruz, CA, in the eVTOL sector.

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented Composite Development Technician who is passionate about composite fabrication and assembly from tool making through spraying the final coat of finish paint. Located in the Composite Rapid Development Department, this role directly enables rapid prototyping, testing, and future aircraft developments for Joby Aviation. The ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on experience in a fast-paced composite prototype environment, with the ability to take parts or assemblies from engineering drawings through tooling, lamination, trimming, fitting, bonded or fastened assembly, integration, paint prep, and final paint. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills are essential to working both independently and collaboratively in an R&D environment.

Responsibilities

Take complex aerospace parts or assemblies seamlessly from engineering drawings to deliverable hardware

Build and detail tooling, executing precise composite layups that meet engineered drawing tolerances and specifications

Perform trimming, fitting, structural bonding, mechanical fastening, and composite repairs or modifications

Execute bodywork, priming, surface preparation, and final topcoat painting

Partner with multidisciplinary engineering teams to refine, iterate, and improve R&D components

Required

High School Diploma or equivalent

Minimum 5 years of experience in a high-paced composite prototyping or R&D aerospace environment

Hands-on expertise in prepreg, wet layup, VARTM, RTM, compression molding, sandwich lamination, and complex vacuum bagging

Strong hand tool, carpentry, and tool detailing/repair skills

Experience with structural bond preparation processes, paste adhesives, aerospace fastener types, and installation techniques

Proven proficiency in cosmetic bodywork, paint preparation, and spraying using RP and HVLP equipment

Technical ability to read, interpret, and execute against engineering drawings and ply books

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve issues independently

Solid verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration

Adaptability to shifting priorities in a high-mix development shop, with flexibility to work extended hours or weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines

Desired

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a technical or manufacturing discipline

Familiarity with GD&T and CAD

Hands-on experience operating ply cutters, autoclaves, presses, or curing ovens

Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $30-$46/hr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Description from Joby Aviation's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.

Apply on Joby Aviation Applications go directly to Joby Aviation. Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation

eVTOL air taxi developer with FAA Part 135 certification and Toyota partnership. Santa Cruz, CA.

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Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Larry Sherwood Jr.

Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.

SONY HONDA MOBILITYFISKERSHRM-CP1,000+ HIRES

Currently open to senior TA leadership roles in the United States. larrysherwoodjr.com · Resume (PDF)

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Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr. on the free Mobility Jobs board. Pulled nightly from company applicant tracking systems. Apply directly on the source link above to be considered.